So,
you are in the market to buy a house. Maybe you’re just a renter or
leaser with
option. Perhaps, you already have yours. Anyway it goes with life in
your neck
of the woods; allow me the pleasure to share the beauty I see over my
way.

Odd
enough for one looking out from the hood to show anyone a beautiful
sight, but
let us begin our ‘le tour de ma maison’ (French meaning “tour of my
house” –see
the trip has already taken on an air of regality) in my neck of the
woods.

My
humble abode is in the heart of cowtown country, Fort
Worth, Texas. A little
bitty
ol’ two bedroom with a den and lots of yard. Nothing “bigger,” but
plenty big
enough for me.

Texas,
also known for its heat, creates “big” numbers on thermometers. At
times the
temperature rises above the century mark and stays there. When you have
a
lovely home like mine with ceiling fans in each room, the index and the
fact
that I don’t have an AC, doesn’t seem to bother the enjoyment of
beauty. But do
keep air-conditioning in mind, because noone needs a “big” electric
bill.

Taking
the unchilled interior into account, I find ways to occupy myself
outside. This
is where most tours begin since, it is the first site you have of a new
home.

As
I hear, many a folk make a “big” to-do about “The Jones’”. I don’t know
them
and haven’t seen them, I suppose since Texas
is so “big.” I can’t understand where anyone can get time to keep up
with them,
but concerning outdoor activities I hear many people try. I figure them
Jones’
must be some pretty darn “big” folk –and stay inside with
air-conditioning.

The
way things are here in Texas,
everyone is so giving and their generosity amazes me. One fine example
of this
giving nature is “The Johnson’s.” I haven’t even formally been
introduced and
still they’re giving me their very own grass! They don’t stop to
socialize, but
they are always leaving their gift in my yard. “Big” money folk get
thins named
after ‘em all the time. Then there is Augustine, she’s quite heavenly
to have
around, almost sinful to walk on her grassy gift so I willingly do that
barefooted,
but I love the times she runs over and covers some of the yard. All
this giving
and I don’t even know either of them. Perhaps, they see the constant
effort I
am putting into the upkeep of my lawn and being of the nature, they
just give.

With
the climate here, my yard seems to cultivate these Dandelion beasts.
Not just
“big,” but huge ones, that even grow spines! Trust me those
don’t please
the footsies in the slightest. What perplexes me is the reasoning
behind the
title they hold. Have you ever tried to remove one of those overbearing
suckers
with its root? There is nothing dandy about that, nor is there anything
about
them that appears to resemble my pet lion. No fur, no mane, no tail.
Guess I
will never know. One of these days though, I am going to catch those
folk who
blow by and cast out those seeds. I could introduce them to my pet lion
and see
if they show me the family resemblance.

The
next home novelty I would like to share is the outdoor operation of
mowing.
Mowing and weed eating to be exact on what I do. With all the giving
people and
all, the maintenance is my way of showing my appreciation to the beauty
they
bestow upon me. Now, I have heard them Jones’ use one of those mighty
Edger
things in their lawn care, but I am content to use my existing tools.
The
Blower has already been deemed ‘not needed.’ Also, the Edger isn’t
necessary
without having roadside curbs and all. Definitely another listing for
all those
wanting a home should consider.

Now
there is the backyard and more blades, but I refer to the ones on the
lawn
mower. I make the relation to the 3.5 HP label stamped on my mower, to
“horse
power.” I find the accuracy in that number only by the force of which I
am
blessed with the fine pelting fertilizing treasures of my faithful
companion
repelling from the grass chute on my machine. I would hate to be the
poor
shmuck that has the job to label those things. How many horse’s kicks
are
equivalent to the power of a motor? The only thing I can imagine is the
fellow
standing there helplessly as four horses kick him with all their might.

“Nope,
Silver this
motor isn’t quite equal. That’ll be a 3.5.”

So,
today is Thursday and I should be mowing. The need to stay on my
schedule is
one of my nit picks, but as fate has it the summers here also have
“big”
draughts. The rain hasn’t come for quite sometime and the ground is
beginning
to crack. Since, I love my yard and all its greenness; I listen to its
screams.

“Oooo it’s hot here,”
it says.

And to ease its fears
that I will
sap its beauty and lushness by cutting down all the gifts exposing it
to the
hot sun, I have decided not to mow. Displeasing as my shaggy yard may
appear to
the onlookers, my desire for the finished product does outweigh the
minor
details. I do have a beautiful lawn within.

However
it seems I really am thankful for all the quality outdoor time all this
giving
leaves me. Remember it is almost fall, and then there are “big” color
schemes
to think about!